US military helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, working with Pakistan Army, have transported more than 5,400,000 pounds of relief supplies. PHOTO: AFP

TEHRAN: US military aircraft supporting Pakistan’s flood relief efforts achieved a significant milestone on Monday, with total relief supplies delivered to flood hit areas exceeding five million pounds since August 5.

To date, US military helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, working with Pakistan Army, have transported more than 5,400,000 pounds (almost 2,500,000 kilograms) of relief supplies and rescued more than 13,000 people, stated a US Embassy press release.

There are currently 18 US military helicopters operating out of Ghazi Airbase in the northern areas, eight helicopters operating out of Pano Aqil Air Base in the south, and four helicopters at Chaklala Airbase near Islamabad being prepared for future missions.

U.S. military C-130 and C-17 cargo aircraft continue to provide airlift support to Pakistan, delivering relief supplies to multiple locations throughout the country, including Skardu, Sukkur, Quetta, Jacobabad, Sharea Faisal and Gilgit.

Flood relief support is being coordinated through the US Embassy in Islamabad, in full consultation with Pakistan government, including the National Disaster Management Authority and other agencies.

Iran announces $100m for flood relief

Iranian First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi informed on Sunday that Iran has allocated $100 million worth of humanitarian aid for the flood-hit people of Pakistan.

Rahim informed that Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei felt the measures taken to aid people of Pakistan were insufficient, urging all Muslims to help their brothers in Pakistan.

Ayatollah Khamenei described flood disaster in Pakistan as the “most urgent” issue of the Muslim world. He expressed deep sorrow over the catastrophic floods in Pakistan and the lingering humanitarian crisis it has brought to the country.

The head of Iran’s Red Crescent Society (IRCS) said the society is ready to set up at least ten more relief camps to shelter people in the flood-stricken areas of Pakistan.

“Since the first days of flooding in Pakistan, IRCS dispatched aid for flood-stricken people of Pakistan in 13 aid packages and set up three relief camps in Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan Provinces,” Faqih said.

IRCS sent almost 1,000 tons of food, medicine, medical workers and doctors to Pakistan.

Supervisor of Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation Hossein Anvari declared coming Thursday as ‘Solidarity Day’ for flood victims. He said on September 16 Iranians can extend their humanitarian aid, in cash or goods, to the Pakistani nation.

We must also accept aid from Israel as well instead of practising hypocrisy and shouting empty rhetoric, we must aid from every country instead of discriminating between Muslim and Non-Muslim countries…Recommend

5400000 pounds of relief from U.S is a sign of the long-term partnership that both the countries are enjoying; Iran’s pledge of $ 100 million worth of aid is also an encouraging sign shown by the Iranian government.Recommend